(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – November 29, 2018) UBCIC President Grand Chief Stewart Phillip was recognized yesterday with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of British Columbia for his life-long advocacy and work.

Grand Chief Phillip is well-known for his commitment and dedication to advocating for Indigenous Title and Rights, and all human rights, and the protection of lands and waters. Grand Chief Phillip’s activism is grounded in his family and community; he has 15 grandchildren and has been married for 34 years. He is currently in his seventh consecutive term as President of UBCIC and recently celebrated 20 years in this role. He was Chief of Penticton Indian Band for 14 years and continues to be the Chair of the Okanagan Nation Alliance.

In receiving his degree, Grand Chief Phillip stated: “I am absolutely thrilled and excited with this incredible honor. This is one of those moments where the gifts from the creator that we receive at birth come to a single point, and our value as human beings and people is acknowledged… I want to recognize my beautiful wife Joan who is my soulmate, my kindred spirit and the centre of my universe. I would not be here today the love and support of the rest of my family. The centre of the work we do is our grandchildren. We must remember that regardless of the multitude of paths that brought us here, we are indeed here to stay, all of us, and we are charged with addressing the many challenges in the world. There is no planet B. The biggest test of our ingenuity and strength of will lies in our ability to address climate change and all its effects. In order to meet that challenge, we need brilliant young minds, which I see in front of me in all the graduating students today.”